Bats Come Alive in Jackfish Routing of the Royals

WELLAND - Thursday night saw the Guelph Royals make their first trip of the season to the Pond at Welland Stadium.  

The Royals got out to early 4-0 lead after scoring two in the first and two in the second but the Jackfish quickly answered with five runs in the second and only added to their lead the rest of the way.  

London, Ontario native Andrew Mercier started the game behind the plate but then was moved to first base after three innings of work.  Mercier went two for five, scored two runs and added two RBI’s which improved his team leading batting average to .375.  “I have the confidence to be able to go out there and bring a good performance night in and night out” Mercier said after Thursday’s ball game.  

Other offensive stars for the Jackfish were Matt Schmidt who went four for five scored three runs and brought in three other runs.  Wilson Soriano, DeAndre Asbury-Heath, and Nate Mastervick each scored two runs while Matt Schmidt and Nolan Pettipiece each scored three runs. 

Jackfish starting pitcher Euclides Leyer earned the win after striking out seven and walking six batters during his six innings of work.  Royals reliever Edwin Javier was docked with the loss. 

The Jackfish return to action Saturday at home for a matinee contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs.  Saturday is Youth Baseball Day where the first 250 kids will get a free foam baseball courtesy of Enviro-Niagara.